Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

Princeton Times

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July 16, 2010

Six queens crowned for Mercer Fair

By HILARI BARTON for the Princeton Times

GARDNER — The Mercer County Fair has crowned its queen.

On Saturday, July 11, the Mercer County Fair held its annual Miss Mercer County pageant at PikeView High School. Girls from age 2 months to 21 years competed for a chance to reign over the festivities on Aug. 6 and 7.

The pageant, which coordinator Debra Smith said has been “going on for 30+ years,” was originally called the Mercer County Bluestone County Fair, until the name was changed in 2007.”

This year, six girls were crowned “queens” of their age divisions in the birth to 10-year category.

“They receive a trophy, tiara, and a sash with roses. They also receive passes to attend the Mercer County Fair,” Smith said.

The pre-teen and teen categories also crowned their queens later in the evening. Olivia Lawson was named Miss Pre-teen Mercer County, and Laken Lester received the title of Miss Teen Mercer County.

Lester has been competing in pageants “for almost three years.” She said that many people think pageant contestants are “exploiting” themselves, but that is not the case.

She also stated that pageants “build self-confidence” and help girls establish friendships.

“I enjoy making new friends during competition,” she said.

Lester also said that she hopes “to be the best Miss Teen Mercer County [she] can be and to be a good role model.”

The highlight of the night was the crowning of the new Miss Mercer County Fair. In order to become Miss Mercer County Fair, Smith said that the contestants “must be single, must be 21 and under, and must be a resident of Mercer County or attend Bluefield State or Concord University.”

The honor of being this year’s queen was bestowed upon Carlie Shott. As the queen, Shott received not only a tiara and sash, but also a $500 scholarship. She will also be required to compete in Miss West Virginia Fairs and Festivals in Charleston, which is funded by the Mercer County Fair.

The rest of the winners are as follows:

• Birth category – Aleena Reed;

• 1-2-year category – Hailynn Powell;

• 3-4-year category – Riley Meadows;

• 5-6-year category – Modesty Sluss;

• 7-8-year category – Kristy Hill;

•  9-10-year category – Destiny Harry.

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